Newswise — WASHINGTON – With some state legislative sessions only a few weeks old, already legislators in nine states – Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Wyoming – have formally introduced the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, model legislation that would speed the process of issuing licenses for physicians who wish to practice in multiple states. The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) has launched a new webpage, http://licenseportability.org, to track the progress of the Compact in state legislatures.
The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact would modernize and streamline interstate licensing while maintaining oversight, accountability and patient protections. The new interstate compact system would help physicians improve access to care for patients in multiple jurisdictions and help underserved populations receive the healthcare they need.
“The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which is now being considered in state legislatures across the country, offers an effective solution to the question of how best to balance patient safety and quality care with the needs of a growing and changing health care market,” said Dr. Humayun J. Chaudhry, president and CEO of FSMB. “We’re pleased to have supported the state medical board community as it developed this groundbreaking model legislation and look forward to working with states that wish to implement this innovative approach to licensure.”
The final model Interstate Medical Licensure Compact legislation was released in September 2014. Since then, more than 25 medical and osteopathic boards have publicly expressed support for the Compact.
“We applaud the progress being made to ensure that Iowans have access to quality healthcare services,” said Mark Bowden, executive director of the Iowa Board of Medicine. “This legislation would expand access to telemedicine, making it easier for physicians to see patients. Everything about this legislation is a win-win for our state, our physicians, and most importantly, our patients.”
“We are pleased to see Vermont leading the way on ensuring that all its patients have access to quality healthcare,” said Patricia King, MD, PhD, immediate past president of the Vermont Board of Medical Practice. “Doctors and patients will benefit from a streamlined and less cumbersome licensing process that expands access to care.”
“The growing number of introductions in state legislatures represents the desire for a dynamic system of expedited licensure that simultaneously respects the inherent role of state regulatory agencies in protecting the public,” added Dr. Chaudhry. “At a time when some within the telemedicine industry seek to implement licensing frameworks that undermine and circumvent state licensing rules and practice requirements, the Compact is a key element to ensuring state sovereignty while providing the license portability necessary to enhance the delivery of health care.”
Today, FSMB also released a new map that highlights the growing support in state legislatures for the Compact. This interactive map, which will be updated regularly, is a one-stop shop for all compact related questions where individuals can see if their state has introduced legislation supporting the Compact. For more information visit: http://licenseportability.org/.
About the Federation of State Medical Boards: The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) is a national non-profit organization representing all medical boards within the United States and its territories that license and discipline allopathic and osteopathic physicians and, in some jurisdictions, other health care professionals. FSMB leads by promoting excellence in medical practice, licensure and regulation as the national resource and voice on behalf of state medical boards in their protection of the public. To learn more about FSMB visit: http://www.fsmb.org/. You can also follow FSMB on Twitter (@theFSMB and @FSMBPolicy) and Facebook by liking the Federation of State Medical Boards page.
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